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Ground Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Ground Operations Manager For this role, as an Aviation Ground Operations Manager (GOM), you will work out of our Tampa, Florida office location no less than three days per week. The GOM ...

The Ground Operations Agent is responsible for the handling of customer baggage, including loading and unloading on and off the aircraft, marshaling in and pushing back the aircraft, operation of ...

The Ground Operations Agent is responsible for the handling of customer baggage, including loading and unloading on and off the aircraft, marshaling in and pushing back the aircraft, operation of ...

The Ground Operations Agent is responsible for the handling of customer baggage, including loading and unloading on and off the aircraft, marshaling in and pushing back the aircraft, operation of ...

The Ground Operations Agent is responsible for the handling of customer baggage, including loading and unloading on and off the aircraft, marshaling in and pushing back the aircraft, operation of ...

New

Ground Operations Crew Position Summary The Ground Operations Crew loads and unloads Customer bags, operates ground service equipment which includes the operation of motor vehicles, coordinates the ...

Ground Operations Agent The Ground Operations Agent is responsible for the handling of customer baggage, including loading and unloading on and off the aircraft, marshaling in and pushing back the ...

New

Ground Operations Agent The Ground Operations Agent is responsible for the handling of customer baggage, including loading and unloading on and off the aircraft, marshaling in and pushing back the ...

Ground Operations Agent The Ground Operations Agent is responsible for the handling of customer baggage, including loading and unloading on and off the aircraft, marshaling in and pushing back the ...

New

Ground Operations Supervisor Veho's mission is to power the future of commerce by making shopping, shipping and returns seamless for everyone. We are building a modern, end-to-end logistics ...

New

Ground Operations Supervisor Veho's mission is to power the future of commerce by making shopping, shipping and returns seamless for everyone. We are building a modern, end-to-end logistics ...

New

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Ground Operations information

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$9

$24

$49

How much do ground operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do ground operations do?

Ground operations involve managing activities on the ground at airports or transportation hubs, including aircraft servicing, baggage handling, fueling, and coordinating aircraft movements. These tasks ensure safety, efficiency, and timely departures and arrivals, often requiring teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are Ground Operations?

Ground Operations refer to the activities and personnel responsible for handling aircraft while they are on the ground, rather than in flight. This includes tasks such as aircraft marshaling, baggage loading and unloading, refueling, catering, cleaning, and coordinating with maintenance teams. Ground Operations staff play a crucial role in ensuring that flights run on schedule, safety standards are met, and passengers’ needs are addressed during boarding and deplaning. They often work in fast-paced environments and must coordinate with various departments within the airport. Effective ground operations are essential for the overall efficiency and safety of airline services.

What is the difference between Ground Operations vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectGround OperationsAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsTypically includes airport operations, safety, and ground handling certificationsRequires FAA or equivalent aircraft maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentAirport tarmacs, ground handling areas, customer service zonesAircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, repair stations
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, ground service providers, airportsAircraft manufacturers, airline maintenance departments, repair shops

Ground Operations and Aircraft Maintenance Technicians both work within the aviation industry but focus on different aspects. Ground Operations handles airport logistics, passenger services, and ground handling, while Aircraft Maintenance Technicians focus on inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and certifications.

What is the highest paid position at an airport?

The highest paid position at an airport is typically the airport director or chief executive officer, who oversees all operations and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes advanced degrees, and they can earn salaries exceeding six figures depending on the airport size and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ground Operations professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ground Operations, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and knowledge of aviation safety protocols, often supported by relevant certifications or training in ground handling. Familiarity with ground support equipment, baggage handling systems, and airline operations software is typically required. Excellent teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you stand out in coordinating logistics and ensuring safety. These competencies are essential for maintaining efficient flight schedules, ensuring passenger and crew safety, and supporting overall airport operations.

Is operations a high paying job?

Ground operations jobs, such as those in airport or airline ground handling, typically offer moderate pay that varies by location, experience, and employer. While some positions can be well-paying, especially with seniority or specialized skills, they generally do not reach the highest salary levels compared to other aviation or management roles.

Is ground staff a good career option?

Ground operations staff play a vital role in airport and airline functions, handling tasks such as baggage handling, customer service, and aircraft servicing. The job often requires physical activity, good communication skills, and sometimes certifications like safety training; it can offer stable employment with opportunities for advancement within the aviation industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Ground Operations staff during irregular operations or flight delays?

Ground Operations staff often encounter significant challenges during irregular operations, such as flight delays or cancellations. These situations require rapid coordination with multiple teams including flight crews, customer service, baggage handlers, and maintenance personnel. Maintaining clear communication, managing passenger expectations, and efficiently reallocating resources are crucial to minimize disruptions. Adapting quickly to changing circumstances and problem-solving under pressure are essential skills for success in these scenarios.
More about Ground Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Ground Operations jobs? Cities with the most Ground Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ground Operations jobs? The most popular types of Ground Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Ground Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Ground Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ground Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Operations jobs are:
Infographic showing various Ground Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Ground Operations Manager

Metrea

Tampa, FL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Aviation Ground Operations Manager

For this role, as an Aviation Ground Operations Manager (GOM), you will work out of our Tampa, Florida office location no less than three days per week. The GOM sits within the Special Air Missions (SAM) Group and reports to the Head of Maintenance, Maintenance (US) Capability Area.

This role is focused on maintenance ground safety and is responsible for ensuring the safe execution of Part 145 maintenance and aircraft ground operations across both the Tampa home base and globally deployed ISR aircraft operations.

The GOM plays a key role in fostering an organizational culture of effective safety management, risk awareness, and occurrence reporting, working across multiple project locations to promote safe behaviors and practical risk mitigation in a distributed and deployed operating environment.

You will work closely with Maintenance and Operational leadership to embed safety into day-to-day activity and ensure compliance with:

  • FAA Part 145 and applicable FARs
  • AS9100D (as applicable to operational safety)
  • DCMA 8210-1D
  • ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management principles

This is a hands-on, operational role delivering real-world safety outcomes in support of aircraft maintenance operations both in Tampa and across globally deployed mission locations.

What You'll Bring
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a current Security Clearance (Secret or above)
  • Minimum 5+ years of aviation experience, including lead or supervisory roles
  • Demonstrated experience in:
    • Aviation safety within maintenance or ground operations environments
    • Hazard identification, risk management, and incident investigation
    • Working in Part 91, Part 135, or Part 145 environments
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • FAA regulations
    • Safety Management Systems (SMS)
    • Aviation operational risk management
  • OSHA 30-hour Certification (required)
  • Proven leadership with the ability to influence without authority across distributed and deployed teams
  • Clear and effective written/verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software platforms
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Previous military aviation or government contract experience
  • Experience operating under or supporting DCMA 8210-1D requirements
  • Experience supporting deployed, expeditionary, or austere aviation operations
  • OSHA 500 Outreach Trainer Certification
  • FAA Safety Training or equivalent aviation safety education
  • Experience coordinating emergency preparedness, fire prevention, and response resources
  • Background with FAA Part 91, Part 135, and Part 145 aviation activities and coordinating safety efforts for multi-site global organizations